Dr. Gale McMahan

ANNA, Ill. -- Dr. Gale A. McMahan, 59, of Anna died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

She was born Oct. 19, 1946, in Anna, daughter of George O. and Jessie L. Johnson Scivally. She and Joe H. McMahan were married Dec. 14, 1963.

Gale received a bachelor of science degree in 1971, a master of science in 1974, and a Ph.D. in 1994, all from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

She was a special education director and teacher in the Anna and Jonesboro school systems from 1971 to 1994, was director of Birth to Three Interagency Council in Southern Illinois from 1991 to 1994, was superintendent and principal at Lick Creek and Vienna schools from 1994 to 1997, and was currently chair of the department of elementary, early and special education at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Gale was a member of First Baptist Church in Anna and taught Sunday school many years, and was a member of National Society of Daughters of American Revolution, Chi Sigma Iota, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, and SIU Alumni Association.

She is survived by her husband, Joe H. McMahan of Anna; two sons, Randy Scott McMahan and wife Chrissa of Anna, Joseph Paul McMahan of Cartersville, Ga.; her father, George O. Scivally of Anna; two sisters, Janice Bradley and companion Bill Stanley of Gainesville, Ga., Jayne Upchurch and husband Frank of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; five grandchildren, Sarah, Cody, Andrew, Kyle and Darci; two great-grandchildren, Aurora and Rhiley; many loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessie Scivally, and a brother, Terry Scivally.

Friends may call at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Chad Ozee officiating. Interment will be in Anna City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Anna. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.